Orlando Magic star Jonathan Isaac was the first player to refuse to kneel during the national anthem when the NBA restarted its season.
The league resumed on Friday after a four-month hiatus due to coronavirus, and the teams showed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which has spread across the globe.
Every single player wore Black Lives Matter shirts and knelt during the anthem on the first day, but Isaac didn’t follow the magic against the Brooklyn Nets on the second day before the game.
The Power Forward literally took a stand and was the only player who didn’t wear a Black Lives Matter shirt while playing the anthem. Instead, he wore his sweatpants and jersey.
Isaac spoke after the 128-118 victory of magic and referred to his religious beliefs as he explained his decision.
“I think Black Lives is Matter. Kneeling in a Black Lives Matter T-shirt doesn’t go hand in hand with supporting black lives, ”he said.
“I support black lives, but not so. My life was supported by Jesus Christ. The gospel gives us strength.
“I knew that it would be a difficult decision that people would question. I relied on God’s Word and his plan for me.
“People have opinions, but I made my decision. We protest and do things to get things done. But we have to see all things and all the answers are in the Word of Jesus. “
Isaac said his teammates respected his decision, while Orlando coach Steve Clifford added, “I support him, his teammates support him, the organization supports him, so that’s part of life in our country.”
NBA players have vocally campaigned for racial equality and wanted an end to police brutality after the shocking death of American George Floyd in police custody.
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James was one of the most outspoken stars and continued the message after reaching the clutch with the last basket of the game to give his team a two-point victory against the Clippers yesterday.
“There has been progress, but in the past, as we have made progress, we have let our foot down a bit,” said James.
“We cannot do that. We want to keep accelerating, pushing ahead, and continuing to spread love across America.
“We are dealing with a lot of racism, a lot of social injustice and a lot of police brutality. Not just in my neighborhood and not just with black people, but also with colored people, and we want to continue to keep people’s ears open.
“We have ears now, but we can’t stop.”
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After the majority of Orlando players took a knee, the Magic and their owners released a statement in support of the protest.
“The DeVos family and Orlando Magic organization fully support Magic players who have chosen to use their professional platform to send a peaceful and powerful message, bigotry, racial injustice and the unjustified use of violence sentenced by the police, especially against colored people. ” Read the statement.
“We are proud of the positive impact our players have had and we believe with them that sport can bring people together – bridging divisions and promoting inclusion, equality, diversity and unity.
“We know that it is not about the military, about the men and women who serve honorably to protect our communities for all, or about those who have paid the highest price for ensuring freedom, including freedom of expression. We are confident that the entire Magic family has great respect for these beings and individuals.
“This is about coming together to end racism once and for all. We are determined to strive for lasting and effective change with our players today and in the coming days. “
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